A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 86

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 86

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Milo Burdick, son of Amos and Anstis (Clark) Burdick, married Sarah, daughter of David Sherman. He was a farmer, and for several years connected with his brother. William C., in the cheese business, and was engaged in the hardware trade for some years. He died in 1873. His widow is now residing in Alfred with their son, David S. Burdick, who was educated at Alfred University, and was graduated therefrom in 1882. In 1881 he became a member of the firm of Burdick & Green (J. C. Green), hardware dealers. In 1894 Mr. Burdick was elected supervisor. He has been president of the village three years.

Truman A. Burdick was born in Newport, R. I., Feb. 28, 1839, of parents of old New England stock. Graduating at Newport High School, he married Miss Millie Burdick, of Al- fred, and has been a resident of this town since 1857. Mr. Burdick was formerly a printer and did good service as associate editor on the Andover Advertiser, Hornellsville Herald, and Owego Blade. He has for over 30 years been a valued contributor to various city and country journals, is the author of "Recollections of My Schoolboy Days," " Home Again," and of a series of papers entitled " Alfred in the Past." He has, besides, as he says, "done something in the way of making words rhyme." Since 1884 he has not been regularly employed at case or desk on account of impaired vision. His employment now is farming and gardening, varied with an occasionally contribution to some newspaper or magazine. At the request of his Ando- ver friends he wrote the excellent history of that town published in this volume.

Phineas A. Burdick, son of Albert G. and Eunitia (Wheeler) Burdick, was born in DeRuy- ter, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1847. He was educated in the common school and in DeRuyter Institute. He read law and was admitted to the bar. In 1877 he entered upon what proved to he his life work, gospel temperance, and left the Democratic party and joined the Prohibitionists. He soon became one of the most eloquent and popular temperance orators. His services were in such demand that he closed his office, and from the summer of 1877 until about two months before his death, July 3, 1893, he was constantly in his beloved work in many different states, cities and towns. Under his leadership more than 1,500,000 signed the pledge of total absti- nence. Mr. Burdick believed that what the people needed was education on the temperance question, so he made it a constant study, and held the same audiences night after night for weeks and months, in each address presenting some new phase of the great subject. Rev. Mr. Teller said of Mr. Burdick, " Quick to understand men, he read aright their disposition and character, and he seldom rated them wrongly. With this understanding was united a wonder- ful adaptability in reaching them. He was especially fitted for a reformer. He had a com- manding presence, a voice of great versatility and power, a fine command of language and a logical mind. He was brave. He was manly. He was pre-eminently fair. He was true. Yet grand as were his gifts, his greatest strength was not in them, but in the noble, loving,

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heroic Christian man behind them. His sanctified Christian manhood touched men and held them. He gave his life for humanity and the cause he loved." In 1872 Mr. Burdick married Miss Ella Clarke of DeRuyter, and in 1887 they with their two sons removed to Alfred. Here he built a home where he could find needed rest, and here through great suffering he spent the last days of his earthly life, and passed on to his heavenly reward.

George Champlin, son of Thomas, was born in Rhode Island. He married Martha Allen and came to the town of Alfred in 1827. He was a farmer and resided here until his death. Of his 4 children, 2 only survive. William F., who resides at Sherman, Mich., and James A., who married Susan, daughter of Ezekiel Saunders and settled in town, He is a farmer and has been assessor 3 years. His son, Charles C. Champlin, who married Luna E. Adams, was supervisor of the town in 1892 and 1893. He is a farmer.

Samuel A. Champlin, son of Bradford Champlin, who married Betsey Allen and came from Rhode Island to Alfred, one of the early settlers of the town, was born in Alfred, Nov. 19, 1830. He married Jane, daughter of Joseph S. and Olive (Coon) Crandall, who came from Brookfield, Madison county, to Genesee about 1829, and lived until 1843, when they moved to Wisconsin where they died. They settled in Genesee where they made their residence until 1862, when they moved to Alfred. Mr. Champlin enlisted in Co. B, 79th Regt., N. Y. S. V., during the Civil War, was in the hospital at Alexandria, Va., and is now a pensioner. The children of Samuel A. and Jane (Crandall) Champlin are : Ellen A. (Mrs. Charles M. Vincent), Myrtie V. (Mrs. Anson Benjamin), LeRoy D., and Eva St. Clair, who is librarian for the Nor- mal Schools at New Britain, New Haven, and Willimantic, Conn.

Timothy R. Chase, son of Henry S. Chase, was born in Canisteo, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1825. In 1853 or 4 he came to Alfred and located near the station. He purchased the business of his uncle, Samuel Russell, and established himself in merchandising, which he has continued. Mr. Chase has served the town as clerk for several years and as supervisor for some years. He married Mary E. Williams, of Wirt, and they have three children, Frank J., C. Eugene, and Will R.

Lorenzo D. Collins, son of Dr. John B. Collins, [See Page 221 ] was born in Alfred, August 19, 1828. He married Mercellia, daughter of Silas Allis. His education was obtained at Alfred University. He holds the office of assessor of Alfred and has been engaged in agriculture. He has an adopted daughter, Ollie, Mrs. T. M. Davis.

Judge Clark Crandall was born in Hopkinton, R. I., April 17, 1785. His family removed to Petersburg, Rensselaer Co., in 1793, and from there he came on foot, in 1807, with two com- panions, and became one of the three first settlers of the present town of Alfred. He married Amelia Vincent during the first year of his residence in the town. Descended from ancestors who had been prominent in public affairs, strong and resolute, he at once assumed the position of a leader which he continued to hold during his lifetime. His first public office was that of a commissioner for the opening of roads. He was a constituent member of the First Seventh- day Baptist church of Alfred in 1813, and supervisor of the town in 1814 and 1815, and town clerk three terms. He was made captain of the militia in 1811, second major in 1812, colonel of the 126th regiment of the state militia in 1819, and brigadier general in 1820. He estab- lished the first manufactory in the town, wooden pails, built the first courthouse in Allegany county in 1819, represented the county in the state legislature in 1820-21. and was one of the presidential electors of the state in 1832. Having been made a justice of sessions he was called " Judge Crandall " during the remainder of his lifetime. Always engaged in business enterprises, he was subject to varying fortunes financially. In 1836 he succeeded Luke Greene in the tan- ning and currying business at Alfred, and some years later he engaged in the cheese trade, find- ing markets mostly in Pennsylvania for the dairy product of his town, which he conveyed thither over the " Laurel Mountains " in wagons. This was the beginning of a business which has since assumed large proportions. Honest, persistent, public-spirited and kind hearted to a fault, he served his generation well, and died in Alfred November 9, 1862, aged 77 years. His son, Ira B., and his youngest daughter, Amanda, wife of William C. Burdick, are still living in Alfred.

Amos Crandall, son of Silas, was born in Waterford, Conn. He married Cynthia Potter. In 1818, he walked from Rhode Island to Alfred in company with Samuel Lanphear, and took up 50 acres, which Green Champlin now owns. After building his log house, he walked back. In 1819, Mr. Crandall moved his family to their new home, with an ox team and one horse. After a few years he sold his place and took up another lot at Five Corners, where he resided until 1860 when he removed to the village. He taught school winters, also singing school, and was chorister of the Seventh-day Baptist church for many years, and took great interest in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Crandall died Sept. 9, 1887, his wife died May 21, 1881. Their children were Ezra P., Mary A., Julia P., and Almond E. The only survivor is Almond E. Crandall who married Emma E. Sisson, and settled on the homestead. Their children are Herbert L. and Jessie W. In 1860, he removed to the village, and engaged in merchandizing with his

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brother, Ezra P., who died in 1870. In 1873, his brother's son, Will H. Crandall, became his partner, and the business was continued until 1889 when they sold out. They are now con- nected in the insurance business. A. E. Crandall has been cashier of the bank, supervisor of the town, and justice of the peace 14 years.

Terrence McGuire Davis was born March 25, 1856, near Long Run, in Doddridge Co., W. Va. He is the tenth of the eleven children of Lodawick H. and Margaret Davis. He at- tended the common schools, and, at the age of 12, was assistant one term in a select school composed partly of ex-soldiers. The next 4 years ill-health prevented school attendance. After a year in mercantile work and a few months at school, he taught the public school at his home 4 years, attending the High School at Salem between the terms of teaching. He entered Al- fred University in 1879, was graduated in the classical course in 1881. He then went to Nash- ville, Tenn., and entered Goodman's Business College, and subsequently taught 2 years in the college and a branch at Knoxville. He then came to Alfred and opened the Business Depart- ment of the University which he conducted until 1890. The next 2 years he conducted the Business College at Hornellsville, then returned to Alfred and taught I year in the Latin de- partment of the University. In May, 1894, he was re-appointed postmaster at Alfred, having served during President Cleveland's former term. In 1882 he married Ollie, danghter of Lorenzo D. Collins. They have 2 sons, Lorenzo C. and Carl L.

W. C. Dunham, son of Henry V. and Susan M. Dunham, born in New Market, N. J., March 29, 1859, attended Alfred University from 1875 to 1877, in April, 1880, came to Alfred and engaged in the cheese business with W. C. Burdick, and has since 1883 been member of the firm of W. C. Burdick & Co. He married, first, Aug. 30, 1879. Juliaette, daughter of W. C. Burdick. She died April 26, 1892 ; second, Dec. 14, 1894, Harriet L., daughter of J. H. . Vincent of Pike. Mr. Dunham's great-great-grandfather was Col. George Dunham, and his great-great-uncle was Capt. Isaiah Dunham of New Brunswick, N. J., both officers of the Con- tinental Army of the Revolution.

Isaac Fenner, son of Stephen, was born in Providence, R. I., in 1795. His wife Amelia Potter of Westerly, R. I., a daughter of Col. Nathan Potter, was born in 1799. They came to Alfred from Fairfield, Herkimer county, in 1825, and settled on the farm now owned by the heirs of Stephen C. Burdick, where Mr. Fenner engaged in farming. He owned the largest dairy and dairy farm of the town, made and dealt in cheese, which he drew to Rochester and sold. He was also a merchant at the center of the town, and a prominent citizen, and died at the age of 82 years. Elisha P. Fenner, son of Isaac, was born in Alfred. July 31, 1834. He married El zabeth Hall in 1857, and had one son. Mrs. Fenner died in 1859. His second wife was Harriet Smith. His children are Albert S .. Elim E., Asenath, H. Edgar, Olin S. and Amelia P. In 1874 Mr. E. P. Fenner commenced manufacturing cheese, and at present con- ducts 4 factories, Fenner's Home, Five Corners, Pleasant Valley and McHenry Valley. He enlisted in Co. D, 86th N. Y., in Sept., 1861, and re-enlisted in the same regiment in 1863 and was discharged in July, 1865, and returned home with a commission of first lieutenant but did not muster into U. S. service as such.

Judge Edward Greene, son of Joseph, was born in Westerly, R. I., March 20, 1760. He came to Alfred in 1816. His wife was Huldah Sweet. Judge Greene was in the Revolutionary War, and the war of 1812. He was the first judge of Madison county, N. Y. Luke Greene, son of Judge Edward Greene, was born in Berlin, N. Y., July 19. 1779. He died in Canton, Ill., April 19, 1842. His wife, Nancy, daughter of Martin and Mary (Steadman) Murphy, whom he married in 1803, died June 12, 1874. They first settled in Brookfield, and in Febru- ary, 1808, they moved to Alfred. and were among the first 4 families in town. Mr. Greene only lived here a few years, then took up wild land in Almond. In 1812 enlisted in Captain Barrow's company and was at the battle of Buffalo. In 1818 he made his home in Alfred on the farm now owned by W. C. Burdick. In 1838 he moved to Illinois. Among his 9 children was Philip S. Greene, who was born March 27, 1818, and married Olivia, daughter of Hazard and Phebe (Whitford) Clarke, and located on the farm he now owns. Mr. Greene has been a carriage manufacturer for several years, and also a farmer. He was justice of the peace 24 years, associate judge for 3 terms, town clerk 2 years, trustee of Alfred University for 30 years. His 3 children are Mary L., Arthur B. and Prof. Frank L. Greene, who was born in Alfred, July 31, 1851. His education was acquired at Alfred University and Amherst College, Mass. He was graduated from Amherst in 1876, with degree of A. B., and in 1879 he received that of M. A. He married E. Clara Rudiger. Prof. Greene has been a teacher in various schools, was superintendent of schools at Stevens Point, Wis., and at Hornellsville, and is now principal of two large schools in Brooklyn.

Nathan Green, son of Edward, came in 1808 to Alfred, was one of the pioneer settlers, and located on the farm owned by Joseph Smith. He carried on carpentering in connection with his farming and was a justice of the peace. His wife's maiden name was Orpha Hamilton.

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She had 2 children, Leroy and Alonzo. Alonzo Green, born in 1814, married Lucinda Pal- miter, and was a farmer on the homestead. His children are Harrison W. and Orpha A. (Mrs. Daniel M. Burdick). Harrison W. Green was born July 1, 1836, married Polly, daughter of James S. Green, in 1859, and settled at Alfred Station. They have one daughter, Maud. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. H, 130th New York Regt., was taken prisoner at Shepardstown, Va., Aug. 25, 1864, and confined in Libby and Dansville prisons until Feb. 22, 1865, when he was paroled and returned to his regiment. He was discharged in 1865 ranking as sergeant. He has been engaged in manufacturing cheese, but is now in the hardware business at Alfred Station.

Luke Green, son of Clark Green, was born Aug. 3, 1802, in Berlin, N. Y., and about 1825 made his residence in Alfred, where he engaged in tanning and in various other kinds of busi- ness. July 3, 1827, he married Irene, daughter of James and Hannah (Green) Fisk. Mr. Fisk was one of the pioneers of the town, a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in 1814 from camp fever. Mr. Green opened a general store at Alfred in 1836, which he continued until his death. He was one of the first trustees and long time treasurer of Alfred University and a much esteemed member of the First Seventh-day Baptist church. He died Feb. 13, 1876, his wife died April 7, 1890. Only 4 of their 9 children are living : Orson C., Hannah A. (Mrs. D. E. Maxson), Miranda S. (Mrs. James R. Livingstone of Saginaw, Mich.), and Selinda I. Green. The mercantile business of Mr. Green was continued after his death by his sons, Maxson J., Orson C. and Byron L. Maxson J. Green, son of Luke and Irene (Fisk) Green, was born Nov. 23, 1829, and always resided in Alfred. In 1850, he entered into partnership with his father, and continued in merchandising until Sept. 24, 1895, when he sold out his business to his brother Orson C. and Vernon A. Baggs. He was postmaster nearly a quarter of a century, from 1861 to 1885, was supervisor for two terms, and was a trustee of Alfred University from 1859 to the time of his death which occurred Nov. 3, 1895. He married Huldah P., a daughter of Eli Lesuer, Sept. 28, 1853, and has 2 children : Jennie I. and Sarah E. Orson C., brother of Maxson J., was born in June, 1837, after a residence of 11 years in Plainfield, N. J., and I year elsewhere, he made his permanent home in Alfred.

Thomas H. Green, son of Rev. Henry P. and Lucy (Rogers) Green, was born in Wirt Feb. 6, 1827. He married Lucy C. Crandall, a daughter of Dea. Jairus Crandall, and made his home on lot 13 in Genesee, and was a farmer. He was supervisor of the town, assessor many years, and superintendent of schools several years. In 1882 he came to Alfred to educate his children. where he now resides. He has been road commissioner of the town, and was the first street commissioner after its incorporation. His children were : Ivor E., died Sept. 7, 1883, Minnie J., Orange J., drowned June 10, 1888, F. Grace (Mrs. W. W. Coon) and Susan, who died April 28, 1872.

Giles H. Gridley, son of Frederick, was born in Candor. N. Y. He came to Andover about 1857, married Sylvenia Lanphere, and settled in Andover. After some years he removed to Alfred Centre and was a farmer. His present home is Perryville, Pa. Loren L. Gridley, his son, married Laura G., daughter of William Dingman of Coudersport, Pa., and now resides at Alfred Station. Mr. Gridley is the patentee and manufacturer of "L. L. Gridley's Young America Potato Planter," said to be best article of the kind in use.

William Hamilton, a native of East Greenwich, R. I., came to Alfred from Brookfield about 1814. Freeborn Hamilton, son of William, was born in East Greenwich and came with his parents from there to Brookfield, where he married Tacy, a daughter of Edward Green. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served at Sackett's Harbor. He settled in Alfred in 1814 and in 1815 located on the farm now owned by his son, Freeborn W. Here he lived and died. He had a family of 12 children, II of whom attained maturity. His second wife was Mary Davis. They were members of the Seventh-day Baptist church. Freeborn W, Hamilton, son of Freeborn, was born Nov. 21, 1827, and married Amanda, daughter of Ezra and Content (Sisson) Potter. Their children are : Flora E. (dec.), Elwood E., who married Bertha Burdick, Eola L., and Ezra P., who married, first, Ella Potter (dec.), second, Leora Sisson. Mr. Hamil- ton has served the town several years as assessor. He was elected clerk of the Second Seventh- day Baptist church of Alfred in 1855, and was ordained deacon of the same church in 1866 and is still serving in both these offices.

Col. Nathan Potter, son of George and Content (Maxson) Potter, was a descendant of Ichabod, the first emigrant of that name, who settled in Portsmouth, R. I. Col. Potter was born in 1769, came to Alfred in 1823, and settled at the Five Corners, where Jerome N. Potter resides. He died in 1825. His son, Ezra, born April 14, 1814, married Content Sisson, and settled first on the homestead, subsequently on the farm now owned by F. W. Hamilton where he died in 1874. His wife died in 1892. They had 3 children : Amanda, (Mrs. F. W. Hamil- ton), Elmina (dec.) Thomas E. (dec).

Isaac Hoard came from Yates county to Independence at an early day. He was a farmer.

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His son, James C., married Eliza A. Walker and settled in Ward where he was a " tiller of the soil." Of their 4 children, 3 are living : Rachel (Mrs. John W. Sisson), Alexander W. Hoard of Hornellsville, and James W. Hoard, who married Harriet E., daughter of Alonzo Sisson, and located in Alfred. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. I, 189th Regt. N. Y. V., and served until dis- charged in 1865. He is a member of the B. F. Maxson Post, G. A. R. He has been assessor 6 years and is a trustee of the village. He is a prominent business man, owns and conducts the stage line to Alfred Station, and keeps a livery stable. He has a son Fred S., his daughter, A. Maude, a most promising young lady. is not living.

Laurence LaForge, son of Abiel T. and Margaret Getchell LaForge, was born in New York City, Sept. 17, 1871. His grandfather, Samuel LaForge, born in Lyons, N. Y., brought his family from Matteawan, Dutchess Co., to Independence in 1851. Abiel T., then nine years old lived on the farm until the Civil War when he enlisted in Co. C, 85th N. Y. He was mus- tered out as major in 1865 and engaged in business in New York. In 1869 he married Mar- garet Getchell and became one of the firm of R. H. Macy & Co. He died in February, 1878, his wife in January, 1880, Their six children were Louis, Laurence, Adrian, Lillie and Rose, and Leon. The five surviving children were members of the family of their aunt, Mrs. Joseph Potter of Andover, after their parents' deaths until December, 1886, when they came to Alfred, where Laurence was a student of Alfred University until June, 1892. He married, June 28, 1893, Fannie A., daughter of Rev. Thomas H. and Harriet (Wightman) Carryer, then of Shingle- house, Pa., but a native of Wirt. Mr. LaForge is greatly interested in astronomy and allied sciences. In his private observatory is an equatorial telescope by Warner & Swasey, with a 6-inch objective by Brashear, and other accessory apparatus. He divides his time between labor in this observatory and in his fine library.

Rev. Darwin E. Maxson, A. M., D. D., born at Plainfield, Otsego Co., Sept. 15, 1822, died at Alfred, Feb. 22, 1895. His ancestors were Scotch Irish. Joel Maxson, a native of Hopkin- ton, R. I., early moved to Berlin, N. Y. His wife was Rachael Coon, daughter of Joshua. Their son, Joshua G. Maxson married Lois, daughter of Amos and Phoebe (Covey) Burdick. Darwin E. Maxson was sixth of their 12 children. His father, a lease-hold farmer, became blind in the prime of life, and the support of the family devolved largely upon the children. Darwin when 13 became a member of the Seventh Day Baptist church at Brookfield, N. Y. He served a two-years apprenticeship at blacksmithing, worked two years as a journeyman, then seems to have cared for his father family, and attended and taught school until 1845 when he passed two years teaching and working at Westerly, R. I. He came to Alfred in 1847, attended Alfred Academy for two years supporting himself by teaching and other labors. In 1849 he became a member of the band of teachers " Kenyon, Sayles & Co." which conducted the academy until it was chartered as an university. In 1851 he was admitted as a " senior" in Brown Univer- sity and at the end of the year received his diploma. He then was professor of natural history and natural science in Alfred University until November, 1861, when he enlisted. While teach- ing he used both to preach and lecture, and showed rare powers as an opponent of intemper- ance and slavery. July 7, 1853, he was ordained as a minister and became pastor of the Sev- enth Day Baptiat church of Hartsville for several years. After the Civil War he held pastorates at Milton, Wis., Plainfield, N. J., Hornellsville, Hartsville and in the Second Church of Alfred. In 1879 he was elected professor of church polity and pastoral theology in Alfred University, and in 1883 took a course of instruction in Union Theological Seminary. He held this office as long as his health would admit and was then elected " Emeritus Professor." Mr. Maxson be- longed to the old time " Liberty " party in politics, and was elected member of assembly from the second district of this county in 1859 as a Republican and to the same office by the same

party in Rock county, Wis., in 1869. He later was a Prohibitionist. His Alfred home was ever a " station " of the " underground railroad " when that was in operation. He was elected and commissioned chaplain of his 85th N. Y., regiment soon after his enlistment, and did valu- able service in the army of the Potomac until malarial fever caused his resignation, June 23, 1862. From the effects of this fever he died. He married Hannah A., daughter of Luke and Irene (Fisk) Green in 1849. Their children were : Flora (dec.), Carrie (Mrs. Robert Gorton of Plainfield, N. J.) and Dollie, wife of Prof. C. M. Post, M. D. of Alfred University. Mr. Maxson was a man of strong convictions and high moral ideas. These he boldly advocated with a zeal and ability which made him a leading spirit in whatever position he was placed.

Rodman Place, born in Rhode Island about 1784, married Sally Stillman and located in Alfred in 1815. A tailor by trade he became a farmer here. He died in 1860, surviving his wife about a year. They had 12 children, I.I of whom lived to marry and have families of their own. Of these Rev. Alvin A. was born Jan. 6, 1821, and married Ruth Sherman Feb. 12, 1846. He received his education in the district school and at Alfred Academy. Soon after his mar- riage he moved to Nile where he was located for 25 years working at blacksmithing. In 1881 he was called to ordination as a minister and served the Seventh-day Baptist church of Scio

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 86

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102